LaMetric lets you track what matters

Thanks to the Internet, information is easier to come by now than ever before. The problem then is trying to sort the wheat from the chaff and only receive the information you're personally interested in. LaMetric is a customizable "smart ticker" that aims to make that possible by delivering the specific information you need on one simple interface.

Similar in concept to the ALARMclock, LaMetric can be customized to deliver everything from email notifications, a Facebook fan count, the weather forecast, a countdown to an important date, stock price changes, and a lot more besides. All of which are set up and controlled via a dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android.

You simply plug in the LaMetric, launch the app, and connect them via WiFi. The app lets you set up the various widgets, customize how they will act, and modify the visual elements.

You can also pair LaMetric with IFTTT, SmartThings, WigWag, and Ninja Blocks in order to display what's happening in your home. Possibilities include security alerts for break-ins, or alerts when someone is at your door.

LaMetric comprises an LED screen, touch button sensors, a speaker, plus Ethernet and WiFi connectivity. It's 22.5 cm (8.9 in) long, 7 cm (2.8 in) tall, and 4 cm (1.6 in) deep. There's a color panel of 8x8 pixels on the left side of the display for icons, and a white panel of 29x8 pixels on the right displaying the actual information. Left and right buttons allow you to scroll through the various metrics, with an action button allowing you to interact with the notifications in various different ways.

Smart Atoms is launching the product via a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, where it has already more than doubled its original goal. A pledge of US$119 puts backers in line for the plug-in LaMetric, while a pledge of $139 is required for the battery version. The first batch of LaMetric devices are slated to ship in January 2015.

Dave is a technology journalist with a ravenous appetite for gadgets, gizmos, and gubbins. He's based in the U.K., and from his center of operations writes about all facets of modern and future technology. He has learned more in his five years writing for the Web than he did in 11 years at school, and with none of the boring subjects thrown in to the mix.